The coffee table book and documentary film
titled “Coimbatore – A Journey through
Culture and Landscapes,” created by internationally acclaimed documentarian
Dr. L. Ramachandran, were formally launched on March 12, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. at
PSG Medical College in Coimbatore, in the presence of senior administrators,
industry leaders, and prominent members of the city’s civic and cultural
community.
The publication and documentary were
released by District Collector Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar, I.A.S. The launch
ceremony was attended by several senior officials, including Additional
Collector and Corporation Commissioner Sivaguru Prabhakaran, I.A.S.,
Superintendent of Police Dr. Karthikeyan, I.P.S., and Deputy Director ATR
Devendra Kumar Meena, I.F.S.
Prominent industry leaders and civic
personalities, including D. Srinivasan, CODISSIA President M. Karthikeyan, and G.
Bhaktavachalam, were also present, along with distinguished guests from
Coimbatore’s business, medical, and cultural sectors.
Addressing the gathering, District
Collector Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar appreciated the extraordinary vision and
perseverance of Dr. L. Ramachandran. He noted that the documentarian had
conceptualised the project independently and successfully transformed the idea
into a comprehensive visual record through months of travel, research, and
documentation. The Collector remarked that the coffee table book and
documentary serve as a valuable cultural archive and present the spirit of
Coimbatore to a wider audience.
Prominent hotelier D. Srinivasan, praising
Dr. Ramachandran’s efforts, said that the documentary and book beautifully portray
the pride, identity, and cultural vibrancy of Coimbatore. He added that the
filmmaker had created a visual “magic” that showcases the city with
authenticity and dignity.
Sharing insights into the making of the
project, Dr. L. Ramachandran said the documentary and coffee table book were
the result of nearly eight months of extensive travel, research, and visual
documentation across the district. The acclaimed filmmaker, known for projects
such as Chennai to Madras, Medley of Art, Virudhunagar, Khaki Mounts,
and Home of Chess, said the
Coimbatore project involved capturing the district’s landscapes, industries,
cultural traditions, and the lives of its people.
He explained that the process demanded
significant effort and perseverance. In search of the most authentic and
compelling visuals, he travelled across diverse terrains, from rural regions
and hill landscapes to bustling industrial areas and heritage locations. Dr.
Ramachandran noted that he ventured into remote corners of the district and
interacted with thousands of people from different walks of life to understand
the essence of Coimbatore. The “magic visuals” featured in the documentary and
the coffee table book, he said, are the result of months of exploration,
patience, and dedication across different seasons and climatic conditions. He
expressed confidence that the book will become a valuable reference for
tourism, researchers, and the public in the future.
Dr. Ramachandran expressed his heartfelt
gratitude to District Collector Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar, I.A.S., for his
continuous encouragement, guidance, and administrative support, which played a
crucial role in the successful completion of the project.
He also extended special thanks to Tamil
Nadu Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam, I.A.S., for writing the foreword to the
coffee table book. Dr. Ramachandran said the Chief Secretary’s words add
immense value and recognition to the publication and strengthen its
significance as an important visual documentation of the Coimbatore district.
Concluding his address, Dr. Ramachandran
thanked his entire team for their dedication and teamwork in bringing the
project to completion. He also conveyed his appreciation to PRO Mr. Senthil
Anna, officials, guests, and well-wishers who attended the launch event and
made the occasion memorable.
Reference link:
https://youtu.be/d-WcIlhQon4?si=zcbE04OP3cawhW-B
